The ANZCA training curriculum prepares the trainee to the full scope of practice required by a specialist anaesthetist in a general hospital setting. This includes breadth and depth of knowledge alongside the professional behaviours required to provide quality patient care.

The training program encompasses 4 stages: introductory training, basic training, advanced training, and provisional fellowship training. Each stage will build on the ANZCA clinical fundmentals underpinned by the development of breadth of professional behaviours referred to within the ANZCA Roles in Practice. See the ANZCA Anaesthesia Training Program Curriculum for further information.

The goal for introductory training is for the trainee to successfully and safely anaesthetise low-risk patients having low-risk surgery.

At the completion of basic training the trainee will be able to anaesthetise patients safely, with distant supervision and where there is a moderate level of complexity to the case based on patient or surgical factors. Advanced training will see the trainee be able to safely anaesthetise ASA 1-4 patients undergoing complex procedures with distant supervision.

Upon completion of provisional fellowship training the trainee will be expected to be operating at consultant level, demonstrating leadership skills and a commitment to upholding the ethical and professional standards of the specialty.

Anaesthetists rely on a unique set of clinical skills and an extensive knowledge of physiology and pharmacology to provide appropriate anaesthesia and sedation for patients undergoing surgery and other medical procedures. Anaesthetists also administer airway management, resuscitate acutely unwell patients, and provide pain management for patients.

Specialist anaesthetists work across the full scope of the practice, performing anaesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures, perioperative/periprocedural care and management; assessment and management of patients requiring analgesia, critical/intensive care, and patients in emergency and trauma situations (including resuscitation and life support).

Anaesthetists work within both public and private sectors, providing care for patients of all ages. Anaesthetists often work within trauma and retrieval teams and work collaboratively with intensive care and pain medicine specialists.

Treating patients at their most critical and vulnerable point during their hospital journey requires a lot of attention to detail and an ability to not only predict and anticipate complications, but also to intervene immediately. Anaesthetists can make a real difference in both the patient experience and end outcome.

Compassion

Confidence

Cultural competency

Clarity of mind

Excellent communication skills

Integrity, punctuality and reliability and a high standard of professional conduct

The number of applicants selected per year varies each year. However, as a rough guide, in 2021 there were 139 eligible applications received, with 41 applicants selected.

In Australia, there are currently 4,776 active anaesthesia specialists. In Queensland, there are 1,023 specialists and 311 active trainees.

The northern Queensland region offers a well-balanced mix of quality education and a relaxed or adventurous lifestyle, depending on your preference. With the convenience of cities close by, but the benefit of reasonable housing costs and vast landscapes a stone’s throw away, Northern Queensland is hard to beat. 

Each regional centre is small enough to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life, but large enough to boast a range of facilities for socialising and entertainment. You can make the most of the great outdoors through rainforest hikes, mountain biking and snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Living and working in Northern Queensland offers a great balance for all ages and stages, with short commute times putting more hours back into your workday, and plenty to explore on the weekends.

Networking and industry social opportunities are to be found in the tightknit hospital and health communities. Our vision is to improve the health of communities in the northern Queensland region by addressing the shortage of doctors in the area, a passion which unites the students, interns, junior doctors, and specialists training and working here. 

Our training region ensure trainees have access to a wide range of hospital and health settings of varying sizes and capabilities offering diverse case load and case mix. These training areas include the following health service areas: Cairns, Central West, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape, and Townsville.

References:

• https://medinav.health.qld.gov.au/careers/anaesthetics/anaesthesia/
• https://www.anzca.edu.au/education-training/anaesthesia-training-program/admission-to-anzca-fellowship
• https://www.health.qld.gov.au/employment/work-for-us/clinical/medical/recruitment/training/qarts